I have had an opportunity to gain some helpful insight during my internship experiences. This process allowed for me to visit and work with others in the district. I was able to understand more about others job responsibilities and gain a wide range of knowledge of what we do as a district. With these experiences, I did have the opportunity to make some recommendations.
I serve as a high school principal and my concern with our district mainly focuses on district vertical alignment. High schools are the end result for each district and we want to ensure that when students arrive to our campus that they are ready with the appropriate education that should have presented to them on the junior high and elementary levels. I have visited with our Executive Curriculum Director of Instruction and recommend that a teacher from each core and grade level serve on a committee for vertical alignment. The reason for this is I believe that teachers on the elementary level really does not know what is expected of students on the high school level and secondary teachers do not have any idea of what is taught on the elementary level. My concern is that there is an academic vocabulary issue throughout the district. The district should all be using the same academic vocabulary so that each grade level can build on students’ prior knowledge and we are consistent as a whole. It was great to work with our Executive Director and the curriculum department who were in agreement with me to ensure a true vertical alignment process. Teachers on the elementary and secondary level are now able to visit as a core group and work together to enhance our students’ learning.
I also had an opportunity to work with our Human Resource Department. There are times where I do attend job fairs with our Human Resource Director and many times we share ideas when it comes to recruiting new personnel to our district. Our Hispanic population is increasing each school year and we do not have the personnel to address the growth. I recommended that our district look at attending job fairs that would assist us in recruiting teachers that can help us be a more diverse faculty as a district. We have currently switched a few college job fairs that we attend to other college job fairs to help us hire candidates that are bilingual. Each year, our district is being faced with challenges when it comes to students speaking different languages and we want to be able to address that concern so that all students have the opportunity to be successful.
These intern experiences have been wonderful and I have enjoyed each activity. I have been able to gain a wide in-depth analysis of our district as a whole. These experiences have developed me into a well groomed administrator who now has confidence to one day move up and serve as an assistant superintendent and superintendent.
Sunday, April 29, 2012
EDLD 5399 Week Three Part 1
Concerns – Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research, and list at least three concerns that you have identified from these experiences – a concern may be any matter that engages your attention or interest.
1. Lack of personnel to address our Hispanic sub-population growth.
2. Lack of a true vertical alignment from elementary to secondary (move from TAKS to STAAR testing).
3. Concerns about technology being up to date to address relevant issues.
Affirmations - Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research, and affirm or identify at least 3 actions that must be sustained and supported to achieve the District/Campus improvement initiatives.
1. Continue to support district and campus goals to add more personnel that will help us address our English Language Learners.
2. Continue to support district and campus goals that reflect that improvement plans are connected on the district and campus level.
3. Continue to monitor district and campus data with other principals to address our alignment issues for testing.
Recommendations - Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research and describe at least 3 recommendations you would make regarding the District/Campus Improvement plans or action research plans.
1. Align the district and campus improvement plans to the district and campus needs assessment. Allow data from the needs assessment to drive what we do for improvement plans.
2. Provide on-going professional development for our teachers to have up to date training with technology. This will allow more actively engagement and interactions between teachers and students.
3. Attend job fairs that will help us address the need for our growing sub-population. We want each campus personnel to be more diverse.
Evaluate - Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research and identify at least 3 strategies for evaluating the improvement plans or recommendations.
1. Conduct meetings with the curriculum department and campus principals about the progress of curriculum based assessments and standardized tests. Analyze results with our administrative team.
2. Evaluate with our technology department and teachers on the implementation of technology in the classroom.
3. Evaluate our methods of recruiting personnel to meet our diverse student population. I attend job fair with our human resource department to help address our district needs.
1. Lack of personnel to address our Hispanic sub-population growth.
2. Lack of a true vertical alignment from elementary to secondary (move from TAKS to STAAR testing).
3. Concerns about technology being up to date to address relevant issues.
Affirmations - Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research, and affirm or identify at least 3 actions that must be sustained and supported to achieve the District/Campus improvement initiatives.
1. Continue to support district and campus goals to add more personnel that will help us address our English Language Learners.
2. Continue to support district and campus goals that reflect that improvement plans are connected on the district and campus level.
3. Continue to monitor district and campus data with other principals to address our alignment issues for testing.
Recommendations - Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research and describe at least 3 recommendations you would make regarding the District/Campus Improvement plans or action research plans.
1. Align the district and campus improvement plans to the district and campus needs assessment. Allow data from the needs assessment to drive what we do for improvement plans.
2. Provide on-going professional development for our teachers to have up to date training with technology. This will allow more actively engagement and interactions between teachers and students.
3. Attend job fairs that will help us address the need for our growing sub-population. We want each campus personnel to be more diverse.
Evaluate - Review your participation in improvement initiatives or efforts to engage in action research and identify at least 3 strategies for evaluating the improvement plans or recommendations.
1. Conduct meetings with the curriculum department and campus principals about the progress of curriculum based assessments and standardized tests. Analyze results with our administrative team.
2. Evaluate with our technology department and teachers on the implementation of technology in the classroom.
3. Evaluate our methods of recruiting personnel to meet our diverse student population. I attend job fair with our human resource department to help address our district needs.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
EDLD 5399 First Day, Week, Month, Year
First Day:
Goal(s)- Visit with my administrative team which consists of my administrative assistant, chief financial officer, assistant superintendents, campus principals, and directors. Also, go from campus to campus saying hello to everyone.
Objective(s)- The purpose of my meeting would be to formally introduce myself and give my goals for the month. This first day meeting is to just to meet and greet my administrative team.
Activities addressing goals and objectives- Having individual meetings and continue to visit the facilities in the district.
Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives- An agenda for the meeting, time, and a layout of district facilities.
First Week:
Goal(s)- Visit with each board member individually to discuss their thoughts about the positives in the district and what improvements need to be made. I will continue to visit district facilities so that I can meet and greet district personnel.
Objective(s)- The purpose of the meeting with each board member is to establish that relationship. I would like to know where each board member passion is in the district. What are their likes and dislikes about what happen in our district. I want to continue to know personnel in the district and just trying to establish a relationship with team members.
Activities addressing goals and objectives- Having individual meetings and continue to visit the facilities in the district.
Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives- Time and a layout of district facilities.
First Month:
Goal(s)- Visit with every administrative team member individually to get their thoughts about the district. I will continue to visit district facilities.
Objective(s)- I want to hear from each person that has a leadership position for their thoughts about the district. I want to know who helps them and who does not. I will let them know that it is confidential and just their thoughts on personnel in leadership positions.
Activities addressing goals and objectives- Having individual meetings and continue to visit the facilities in the district.
Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives- Time and a layout of district facilities.
First Year:
Goal(s)- Build a leadership team that does what is best for the district.
Objective(s)- Understand district goals. I want to put the right people in the right spot to ensure academic success for our district.
Activities addressing goals and objectives- Having administrative and individual meetings, needs analysis of the district, and comprehensive assessment of the district.
Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives- Evaluation criteria for those in administrative leadership positions.
Goal(s)- Visit with my administrative team which consists of my administrative assistant, chief financial officer, assistant superintendents, campus principals, and directors. Also, go from campus to campus saying hello to everyone.
Objective(s)- The purpose of my meeting would be to formally introduce myself and give my goals for the month. This first day meeting is to just to meet and greet my administrative team.
Activities addressing goals and objectives- Having individual meetings and continue to visit the facilities in the district.
Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives- An agenda for the meeting, time, and a layout of district facilities.
First Week:
Goal(s)- Visit with each board member individually to discuss their thoughts about the positives in the district and what improvements need to be made. I will continue to visit district facilities so that I can meet and greet district personnel.
Objective(s)- The purpose of the meeting with each board member is to establish that relationship. I would like to know where each board member passion is in the district. What are their likes and dislikes about what happen in our district. I want to continue to know personnel in the district and just trying to establish a relationship with team members.
Activities addressing goals and objectives- Having individual meetings and continue to visit the facilities in the district.
Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives- Time and a layout of district facilities.
First Month:
Goal(s)- Visit with every administrative team member individually to get their thoughts about the district. I will continue to visit district facilities.
Objective(s)- I want to hear from each person that has a leadership position for their thoughts about the district. I want to know who helps them and who does not. I will let them know that it is confidential and just their thoughts on personnel in leadership positions.
Activities addressing goals and objectives- Having individual meetings and continue to visit the facilities in the district.
Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives- Time and a layout of district facilities.
First Year:
Goal(s)- Build a leadership team that does what is best for the district.
Objective(s)- Understand district goals. I want to put the right people in the right spot to ensure academic success for our district.
Activities addressing goals and objectives- Having administrative and individual meetings, needs analysis of the district, and comprehensive assessment of the district.
Resources needed to achieve goals and objectives- Evaluation criteria for those in administrative leadership positions.
5399 Leadership and Internship Experiences Part B
Domain I—Leadership of the Educational Community – Competencies 1 - 4
Competency 1 Area:
The superintendent knows how to act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner in order to promote the success of all students.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Focused on the job description of my superintendent to understand how to promote the success of all students.
2. Visited with my former superintendent who is now retired to find out information about oral history of the community and school system.
3. Met with Teen Team City, a school organization on my campus, to gain more knowledge about my students’ beliefs about ethical practices.
4. I was able to add to my interpersonal skills by learning to accept criticism, did a better job of promptly responding to others, and avoided interrupting others while they were speaking.
5. Gained plenty of experience by observing the superintendent lead board meetings each month. I also had the opportunity to interact with the superintendent and board meetings during my high school presentations regarding policies for grading and End of Course assessments.
Competency 1 is an important one that a superintendent needs to be able to master to be successful. The superintendent needs to be able to have integrity and be fair with all stakeholders. In order to serve as an advocate for children, he or she must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to listen to parents, community, and board of trustees.
I have the opportunity to watch how policies and procedures take place at board meetings. It appears that the superintendent has to have an abundance amount of knowledge or be aware of what is on the agenda to present to the board of trustees. I have watched how he has worked with the board when the vote was unanimous, close 4-3 vote, and the difficult 6-1 loss. It is obvious that he works to build relationships with the board of trustees and wants to stay away from 4-3 votes and having the board not support his plans. It is ongoing and just knowing how to interact with district staff, students, school board, and community in a professional and ethical manner. He has showed me how to keep emotions out of the decision making and do what is best for the district, campus, and kids. I have seen for myself how to handle the ethical principles and the integrity in decision making.
Competency 2 Area:
The superintendent knows how to shape district culture by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the educational community.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Met with one board member and compared his views with the community group in regards to having a new cafeteria plan.
2. Focused on the comparison of our district vision statement along with Galena Park ISD. Looked at how both districts used key words to promote success to each districts.
3. Served on the District Education Improvement Committee.
4. Observed and participated in the current requirements for my school under No Child Left Behind.
5. Served on the district leadership team that reviewed our policy for fundraising. This team assisted me in working in conflict resolutions.
The mission of Dayton Independent School District is to educate all students to the maximum extent of their abilities and to challenge them to excel in a changing world. The key component of this competency is learning how to establish and support a district culture that promotes learning and high expectation. I think that it is great that these activities gave me exposure to how a superintendent operates to involve all stakeholders.
The opportunity to serve on our DEIC and meet with members throughout the district, community members and parents, is a life learning process. It has helped me to understand the various views of concerned issues that affect our students’ education. We worked together to develop the district’s needs assessment. This district plan drives what is done on the campus improvement plan.
I think it is vital that a district should be able to recognize and celebrate contributions of staff and community. Many times I believe that just being able to appreciate others by collaborating and coming up with a plan that involves all stakeholders.
Competency 3 Area:
The superintendent knows how to communicate and collaborate with families and community members, respond to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilize community resources to ensure educational success for all students.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Conducted a faculty meeting and surveyed a random sample of people about my presentation.
2. Observed the site based decision making committee and viewed the roles of parents in the process.
3. Examined and evaluated the school library with regard to resources that address the heritage and values of culturally diverse populations.
4. Compiled a list of social agencies that are available to help and support the students, faculty and administration.
Communication is key and doing any type of survey in the district helps to address areas of concern and focus on the positives. One objective under this competency focuses on analyzing community and district structures and identifies major opinion leaders and their relationships to district goals and programs. I was able to use data from my own campus survey to enhance better communication process.
The site based decision committee gives all members the opportunity to give input. It was great to work with the parents and have them collaborate with the committee to enhance the educational success of all students. This enabled us to establish relationships with families and bring a variety of people to help support our district goals.
Our district wants all students to receive appropriate resources and instructional support to ensure educational success. I have had the opportunity to examine and evaluate the school library resources. Our campus is fortunate that our librarian was a former English department head. She has a tremendous amount of knowledge and helps our student with receiving knowledge of culturally diverse populations.
Competency 4 Area:
The superintendent knows how to respond to and influence the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context, including working with the board of trustees, to achieve the district's educational vision.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Focused on the job description of my superintendent to understand how to promote the success of all students.
2. Visited with my former superintendent who is now retired to find out information about oral history of the community and school system.
3. Met with Teen Team City, a school organization on my campus, to gain more knowledge about my students’ beliefs about ethical practices.
4. I was able to add to my interpersonal skills by learning to accept criticism, did a better job of promptly responding to others, and avoided interrupting others while they were speaking.
5. Gained plenty of experience by observing the superintendent lead board meetings each month. I also had the opportunity to interact with the superintendent and board meetings during my high school presentations regarding policies for grading and End of Course assessments.
I had the opportunity to visit with my previous superintendent. Mr. Hayman is now retired and served as our district superintendent for over 10 years. He had also been in the district as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. He gave me great insight on the community of Dayton. I also grew up in the Dayton I.S.D. school system from kindergarten to graduation. He talked to me about the community working together and being that we are a small rural area, education is a high priority. He shared with me that as a superintendent to always be conscientious when it came to decision making and always play devil’s advocate. Try to determine with each decision what are the positives and negatives.
With this particular competency, you learn the importance of communicating effectively with board members and making decisions to improve student learning. I have watched closely during board meetings that with each decision, the superintendent and board of trustees are always making decisions to be in compliance with state and federal requirements.
DOMAIN II—INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP – COMPETENCIES 5 - 7
Competency 5 Area:
The superintendent knows how to facilitate the planning and implementation of strategic plans that enhance teaching and learning; ensure alignment among curriculum, curriculum resources, and assessment; use the current accountability system; and promote the use of varied assessments to measure student performance.
1. I interviewed persons that were involved in the implementation of the district’s curriculum.
2. Met with campus representatives who are responsible for students’ class schedule. Also, discussed the number of changes and the ramifications of it.
3. Observed one instructional assistant and focused on the duties, time, and expertise in academic assistance with students.
4. Collaborated with my theatre arts teacher with the planning and supervising of one act play.
5. Participated in an interview with the administrator responsible for vocational education.
The activities involved with this particular competency helped me realize the many different steps that are involved in planning and implementation of strategic plans. In the past, our district has been rated a “Recognized” district. This current year we have an “Acceptable” rating a district. Our curriculum department has been working tirelessly trying to ensure vertical alignment is in place. As high school principal, our ninth grade students are faced with End of Course testing for the first time this school year. So, I have visited with our district’s curriculum department the entire school year as we have had to work together with curriculum based assessments to prepare our students for the official test.
In meeting with campus representatives who are responsible for class schedules, an instructional assistant, my theatre art teacher, and vocational administrator, I have noticed that all are working to help our campus and district to be the best. All involved with ensuring academic success with upgrading our curriculum. In my interactions, I realize that it is vital to have key ongoing meetings to guarantee curriculum success.
Competency 6 Area:
The superintendent knows how to advocate, promote, and sustain an instructional program and a district culture that are conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Compiled a list of all forms of student recognition practiced on my campus.
2. Examined the use of technology in the library and the computer lab.
3. Collaborated with a lead team of teachers to develop a plan to improve test scores.
4. Analyzed the discipline referrals for the fall semester.
5. Compiled a list of current issues that affect teaching and learning.
As superintendent, it is imperative to understand that having effective discipline is a major component of having a successful curriculum. Being able to have administrative support for discipline is always a high priority in our district. I understand that educators can have all the knowledge in the world but if there is no classroom management or a strong discipline program, it is difficult to educate students. My campus does focus on positive behavior support. We reward our student for good behavior. This type of system has helped build morale on our campus.
Technology in the library has changed over the years. My librarian shared with me that there is no use of card catalog system anymore. There are many ways that technology is utilized in the library. Our campus is actually looking at putting a career center in our library. Computer labs have also advanced. We have the old traditional computer labs where there is a classroom setting with computers. We also have five mobile labs, computer on wheels (COW) that teachers can use in their classroom as opposed to taking their students to a computer lab.
Our district has wanted to see our test scores for SAT increase. We have worked with a company that specializes in increasing testing scores. The program has been successful as almost all of our students’ scores raised 100 points from their initial program assessment and the official SAT test.
The goal is to serve as a leader who knows how to lead a school district program based on student data. This competency helps me to understand that districts must have ongoing study on what is best practice.
Competency 7 Area:
The superintendent knows how to implement a staff evaluation and development system and select appropriate models for supervision and staff development to improve the performance of all staff members.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Analyze the curriculum department staff development procedures for the year.
2. Work collaboratively with administrators at district level to gather information on staff turnover.
Our district added a new position titled Executive Director of Curriculum. This person has come in and met with secondary and elementary curriculum coordinator to ensure a true vertical alignment from beginning to end. Our district uses CScope for curriculum. We have used CScope in the past, but as a resource. This year it is all CScope for those grade levels involved with STAAR testing. It has been a challenge with aligning 6 or 9 week curriculum based assessments just because it is a new process for our district with the CScope curriculum. We have had ongoing training throughout the school year and I project that next year will be easier as we will know what is expected. Also, we will have been through the process after this school year ends.
I am constantly visiting with our human resource department and other campus principal about staff turnover. I am fortunate that I attend college job fairs for our district along with the human resource department. I have assisted with bringing good teacher candidates to our district. We do have a mentor program in place for our new teachers. We work with all teachers and try to keep staff turnover to a minimum.
It is important as a superintendent to understand to hire and try to keep all employees to build continuity in the district. Also, try to improve those struggling employees. I know not to give up right away but give educational support to help staff become successful and be a part of the team.
DOMAIN III—ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP – COMPETENCIES 8 – 10
Competency 8 Area:
The superintendent knows how to apply principles of effective leadership and management in relation to district budgeting, personnel, resource utilization, financial management, and technology application.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Examined the policy and budget for administrative technology.
2. Interviewed persons involved in the rules, procedures, and ramifications of attendance on law, finance, and district operations.
3. Interviewed the district finance officer concerning administrative responsibility, guidelines, training, and any other concerns of the office that requires a position of study.
4. Visited the website of NASSP and compile a list of all services and information available to the principal.
5. Compiled a list of books, publications, training manuals, and district or state publications used or recommended for the superintendent position.
This competency is the start of domain III and I know it pertains to administrative leadership. A superintendent knows how to apply procedures for effective budgeting planning. I have met with our district’s administrative technology person, Mrs. Suzanne Chachere. She told me how she visits with campus principals to set her budget on how it will be spent for each campus. This year, she has worked to help my campus become WiFi. It is still in process and so she explained to me about her budget and how it works from campus to campus.
I interviewed the persons involved with attendance on law. Our district goal is to have an attendance rate at 97%. My campus rate was close to 96%. It is important to have students at school every day so that they have the best chance to learn. I have also interviewed with the district finance officer about requires a position of study. I understand that this particular person is the key to working collaboratively with board of trustees and appropriate personnel to develop district budges. The superintendent works closely with this individual as everything must go through budget.
I have visited the website of National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). I am familiar with their services as I am a member of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP). Also, I have a list of compiled books, etc. that will prepare me for Superintendency. In the past two years, our administrative team has done a book study with our superintendent being the leader. We have done a book study on From Good to Great by Jim Collins and Engaging Students by Phillip Schlechty. The book studies have brought us together to understand what is best for our district, campus, and community.
Competency 9 Area:
The superintendent knows how to apply principles of leadership and management to the district's physical plant and support systems to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Participated in an interview with the director of maintenance to review job responsibilities and schedules of staff.
2. Participated in an interview with the director of transportation to discuss new afternoon bus procedures. Also, we discussed the needs for the new procedure.
3. Interviewed the food service manager to discuss the current requirements, concerns, and issues of the program.
This competency focuses on a safe learning environment. In my first activity, I visited with the maintenance director to check on job responsibilities. He visited with me about how it is important to keep all facilities in the district well-kept. He discussed the amount of work his staff puts in during the summer hours when most faculty and students are home for the summer.
I also had the opportunity to visit with our transportation director. He mentioned to me that transportation was going to try some new routes to try to save on driving time. Our district stretches out eight miles in each direction and so many students get home late due to the buses making a secondary and elementary run an hour later.
In meeting with the food service manager, I understood that there was a food plan to implement and evaluate appropriate procedures. Our district is looking at different food program to try to receive better nutrition and receive more funding.
Competency 10 Area:
The superintendent knows how to apply organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to comply with federal and state requirements and facilitate positive change in varied contexts.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Meet with the superintendent about district changes.
2. Participate with our counselor for the career job fair.
3. Interview two persons of either side of an issue and develop a list of both sides. Express to each the views of the other person.
I met with my superintendent about the recent changes in our district. Last year, as other district cut their budget, we did not. Although, this year we knew it would be our time to have program changes. It was not an easy decision but our board knew that we could not take a 1.8 million dollar deficit each year. We do have a surplus in our fund balance. We did cut our librarians for next school year and a few other administrative positions.
My career counselor sets up a job fair each year. We have been excited as most colleges in the state of Texas are present and there are several that are here from other states. We do a great job of having college and career companies show up for our job fair.
I have visited with our curriculum department and department heads. They have opposing views on our CScope curriculum. The department heads are satisfied with Margaret Kilgo curriculum and the curriculum department is in high favor of CScope. Our campus has had much success under Kilgo’s curriculum and our curriculum department has had success with the CScope curriculum.
Competency 1 Area:
The superintendent knows how to act with integrity, fairness, and in an ethical manner in order to promote the success of all students.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Focused on the job description of my superintendent to understand how to promote the success of all students.
2. Visited with my former superintendent who is now retired to find out information about oral history of the community and school system.
3. Met with Teen Team City, a school organization on my campus, to gain more knowledge about my students’ beliefs about ethical practices.
4. I was able to add to my interpersonal skills by learning to accept criticism, did a better job of promptly responding to others, and avoided interrupting others while they were speaking.
5. Gained plenty of experience by observing the superintendent lead board meetings each month. I also had the opportunity to interact with the superintendent and board meetings during my high school presentations regarding policies for grading and End of Course assessments.
Competency 1 is an important one that a superintendent needs to be able to master to be successful. The superintendent needs to be able to have integrity and be fair with all stakeholders. In order to serve as an advocate for children, he or she must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to listen to parents, community, and board of trustees.
I have the opportunity to watch how policies and procedures take place at board meetings. It appears that the superintendent has to have an abundance amount of knowledge or be aware of what is on the agenda to present to the board of trustees. I have watched how he has worked with the board when the vote was unanimous, close 4-3 vote, and the difficult 6-1 loss. It is obvious that he works to build relationships with the board of trustees and wants to stay away from 4-3 votes and having the board not support his plans. It is ongoing and just knowing how to interact with district staff, students, school board, and community in a professional and ethical manner. He has showed me how to keep emotions out of the decision making and do what is best for the district, campus, and kids. I have seen for myself how to handle the ethical principles and the integrity in decision making.
Competency 2 Area:
The superintendent knows how to shape district culture by facilitating the development, articulation, implementation, and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the educational community.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Met with one board member and compared his views with the community group in regards to having a new cafeteria plan.
2. Focused on the comparison of our district vision statement along with Galena Park ISD. Looked at how both districts used key words to promote success to each districts.
3. Served on the District Education Improvement Committee.
4. Observed and participated in the current requirements for my school under No Child Left Behind.
5. Served on the district leadership team that reviewed our policy for fundraising. This team assisted me in working in conflict resolutions.
The mission of Dayton Independent School District is to educate all students to the maximum extent of their abilities and to challenge them to excel in a changing world. The key component of this competency is learning how to establish and support a district culture that promotes learning and high expectation. I think that it is great that these activities gave me exposure to how a superintendent operates to involve all stakeholders.
The opportunity to serve on our DEIC and meet with members throughout the district, community members and parents, is a life learning process. It has helped me to understand the various views of concerned issues that affect our students’ education. We worked together to develop the district’s needs assessment. This district plan drives what is done on the campus improvement plan.
I think it is vital that a district should be able to recognize and celebrate contributions of staff and community. Many times I believe that just being able to appreciate others by collaborating and coming up with a plan that involves all stakeholders.
Competency 3 Area:
The superintendent knows how to communicate and collaborate with families and community members, respond to diverse community interests and needs, and mobilize community resources to ensure educational success for all students.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Conducted a faculty meeting and surveyed a random sample of people about my presentation.
2. Observed the site based decision making committee and viewed the roles of parents in the process.
3. Examined and evaluated the school library with regard to resources that address the heritage and values of culturally diverse populations.
4. Compiled a list of social agencies that are available to help and support the students, faculty and administration.
Communication is key and doing any type of survey in the district helps to address areas of concern and focus on the positives. One objective under this competency focuses on analyzing community and district structures and identifies major opinion leaders and their relationships to district goals and programs. I was able to use data from my own campus survey to enhance better communication process.
The site based decision committee gives all members the opportunity to give input. It was great to work with the parents and have them collaborate with the committee to enhance the educational success of all students. This enabled us to establish relationships with families and bring a variety of people to help support our district goals.
Our district wants all students to receive appropriate resources and instructional support to ensure educational success. I have had the opportunity to examine and evaluate the school library resources. Our campus is fortunate that our librarian was a former English department head. She has a tremendous amount of knowledge and helps our student with receiving knowledge of culturally diverse populations.
Competency 4 Area:
The superintendent knows how to respond to and influence the larger political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context, including working with the board of trustees, to achieve the district's educational vision.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Focused on the job description of my superintendent to understand how to promote the success of all students.
2. Visited with my former superintendent who is now retired to find out information about oral history of the community and school system.
3. Met with Teen Team City, a school organization on my campus, to gain more knowledge about my students’ beliefs about ethical practices.
4. I was able to add to my interpersonal skills by learning to accept criticism, did a better job of promptly responding to others, and avoided interrupting others while they were speaking.
5. Gained plenty of experience by observing the superintendent lead board meetings each month. I also had the opportunity to interact with the superintendent and board meetings during my high school presentations regarding policies for grading and End of Course assessments.
I had the opportunity to visit with my previous superintendent. Mr. Hayman is now retired and served as our district superintendent for over 10 years. He had also been in the district as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and assistant superintendent. He gave me great insight on the community of Dayton. I also grew up in the Dayton I.S.D. school system from kindergarten to graduation. He talked to me about the community working together and being that we are a small rural area, education is a high priority. He shared with me that as a superintendent to always be conscientious when it came to decision making and always play devil’s advocate. Try to determine with each decision what are the positives and negatives.
With this particular competency, you learn the importance of communicating effectively with board members and making decisions to improve student learning. I have watched closely during board meetings that with each decision, the superintendent and board of trustees are always making decisions to be in compliance with state and federal requirements.
DOMAIN II—INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP – COMPETENCIES 5 - 7
Competency 5 Area:
The superintendent knows how to facilitate the planning and implementation of strategic plans that enhance teaching and learning; ensure alignment among curriculum, curriculum resources, and assessment; use the current accountability system; and promote the use of varied assessments to measure student performance.
1. I interviewed persons that were involved in the implementation of the district’s curriculum.
2. Met with campus representatives who are responsible for students’ class schedule. Also, discussed the number of changes and the ramifications of it.
3. Observed one instructional assistant and focused on the duties, time, and expertise in academic assistance with students.
4. Collaborated with my theatre arts teacher with the planning and supervising of one act play.
5. Participated in an interview with the administrator responsible for vocational education.
The activities involved with this particular competency helped me realize the many different steps that are involved in planning and implementation of strategic plans. In the past, our district has been rated a “Recognized” district. This current year we have an “Acceptable” rating a district. Our curriculum department has been working tirelessly trying to ensure vertical alignment is in place. As high school principal, our ninth grade students are faced with End of Course testing for the first time this school year. So, I have visited with our district’s curriculum department the entire school year as we have had to work together with curriculum based assessments to prepare our students for the official test.
In meeting with campus representatives who are responsible for class schedules, an instructional assistant, my theatre art teacher, and vocational administrator, I have noticed that all are working to help our campus and district to be the best. All involved with ensuring academic success with upgrading our curriculum. In my interactions, I realize that it is vital to have key ongoing meetings to guarantee curriculum success.
Competency 6 Area:
The superintendent knows how to advocate, promote, and sustain an instructional program and a district culture that are conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Compiled a list of all forms of student recognition practiced on my campus.
2. Examined the use of technology in the library and the computer lab.
3. Collaborated with a lead team of teachers to develop a plan to improve test scores.
4. Analyzed the discipline referrals for the fall semester.
5. Compiled a list of current issues that affect teaching and learning.
As superintendent, it is imperative to understand that having effective discipline is a major component of having a successful curriculum. Being able to have administrative support for discipline is always a high priority in our district. I understand that educators can have all the knowledge in the world but if there is no classroom management or a strong discipline program, it is difficult to educate students. My campus does focus on positive behavior support. We reward our student for good behavior. This type of system has helped build morale on our campus.
Technology in the library has changed over the years. My librarian shared with me that there is no use of card catalog system anymore. There are many ways that technology is utilized in the library. Our campus is actually looking at putting a career center in our library. Computer labs have also advanced. We have the old traditional computer labs where there is a classroom setting with computers. We also have five mobile labs, computer on wheels (COW) that teachers can use in their classroom as opposed to taking their students to a computer lab.
Our district has wanted to see our test scores for SAT increase. We have worked with a company that specializes in increasing testing scores. The program has been successful as almost all of our students’ scores raised 100 points from their initial program assessment and the official SAT test.
The goal is to serve as a leader who knows how to lead a school district program based on student data. This competency helps me to understand that districts must have ongoing study on what is best practice.
Competency 7 Area:
The superintendent knows how to implement a staff evaluation and development system and select appropriate models for supervision and staff development to improve the performance of all staff members.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Analyze the curriculum department staff development procedures for the year.
2. Work collaboratively with administrators at district level to gather information on staff turnover.
Our district added a new position titled Executive Director of Curriculum. This person has come in and met with secondary and elementary curriculum coordinator to ensure a true vertical alignment from beginning to end. Our district uses CScope for curriculum. We have used CScope in the past, but as a resource. This year it is all CScope for those grade levels involved with STAAR testing. It has been a challenge with aligning 6 or 9 week curriculum based assessments just because it is a new process for our district with the CScope curriculum. We have had ongoing training throughout the school year and I project that next year will be easier as we will know what is expected. Also, we will have been through the process after this school year ends.
I am constantly visiting with our human resource department and other campus principal about staff turnover. I am fortunate that I attend college job fairs for our district along with the human resource department. I have assisted with bringing good teacher candidates to our district. We do have a mentor program in place for our new teachers. We work with all teachers and try to keep staff turnover to a minimum.
It is important as a superintendent to understand to hire and try to keep all employees to build continuity in the district. Also, try to improve those struggling employees. I know not to give up right away but give educational support to help staff become successful and be a part of the team.
DOMAIN III—ADMINISTRATIVE LEADERSHIP – COMPETENCIES 8 – 10
Competency 8 Area:
The superintendent knows how to apply principles of effective leadership and management in relation to district budgeting, personnel, resource utilization, financial management, and technology application.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Examined the policy and budget for administrative technology.
2. Interviewed persons involved in the rules, procedures, and ramifications of attendance on law, finance, and district operations.
3. Interviewed the district finance officer concerning administrative responsibility, guidelines, training, and any other concerns of the office that requires a position of study.
4. Visited the website of NASSP and compile a list of all services and information available to the principal.
5. Compiled a list of books, publications, training manuals, and district or state publications used or recommended for the superintendent position.
This competency is the start of domain III and I know it pertains to administrative leadership. A superintendent knows how to apply procedures for effective budgeting planning. I have met with our district’s administrative technology person, Mrs. Suzanne Chachere. She told me how she visits with campus principals to set her budget on how it will be spent for each campus. This year, she has worked to help my campus become WiFi. It is still in process and so she explained to me about her budget and how it works from campus to campus.
I interviewed the persons involved with attendance on law. Our district goal is to have an attendance rate at 97%. My campus rate was close to 96%. It is important to have students at school every day so that they have the best chance to learn. I have also interviewed with the district finance officer about requires a position of study. I understand that this particular person is the key to working collaboratively with board of trustees and appropriate personnel to develop district budges. The superintendent works closely with this individual as everything must go through budget.
I have visited the website of National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). I am familiar with their services as I am a member of the Texas Association of Secondary School Principals (TASSP). Also, I have a list of compiled books, etc. that will prepare me for Superintendency. In the past two years, our administrative team has done a book study with our superintendent being the leader. We have done a book study on From Good to Great by Jim Collins and Engaging Students by Phillip Schlechty. The book studies have brought us together to understand what is best for our district, campus, and community.
Competency 9 Area:
The superintendent knows how to apply principles of leadership and management to the district's physical plant and support systems to ensure a safe and effective learning environment.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Participated in an interview with the director of maintenance to review job responsibilities and schedules of staff.
2. Participated in an interview with the director of transportation to discuss new afternoon bus procedures. Also, we discussed the needs for the new procedure.
3. Interviewed the food service manager to discuss the current requirements, concerns, and issues of the program.
This competency focuses on a safe learning environment. In my first activity, I visited with the maintenance director to check on job responsibilities. He visited with me about how it is important to keep all facilities in the district well-kept. He discussed the amount of work his staff puts in during the summer hours when most faculty and students are home for the summer.
I also had the opportunity to visit with our transportation director. He mentioned to me that transportation was going to try some new routes to try to save on driving time. Our district stretches out eight miles in each direction and so many students get home late due to the buses making a secondary and elementary run an hour later.
In meeting with the food service manager, I understood that there was a food plan to implement and evaluate appropriate procedures. Our district is looking at different food program to try to receive better nutrition and receive more funding.
Competency 10 Area:
The superintendent knows how to apply organizational, decision-making, and problem-solving skills to comply with federal and state requirements and facilitate positive change in varied contexts.
I completed the following activities to build my knowledge in this competency:
1. Meet with the superintendent about district changes.
2. Participate with our counselor for the career job fair.
3. Interview two persons of either side of an issue and develop a list of both sides. Express to each the views of the other person.
I met with my superintendent about the recent changes in our district. Last year, as other district cut their budget, we did not. Although, this year we knew it would be our time to have program changes. It was not an easy decision but our board knew that we could not take a 1.8 million dollar deficit each year. We do have a surplus in our fund balance. We did cut our librarians for next school year and a few other administrative positions.
My career counselor sets up a job fair each year. We have been excited as most colleges in the state of Texas are present and there are several that are here from other states. We do a great job of having college and career companies show up for our job fair.
I have visited with our curriculum department and department heads. They have opposing views on our CScope curriculum. The department heads are satisfied with Margaret Kilgo curriculum and the curriculum department is in high favor of CScope. Our campus has had much success under Kilgo’s curriculum and our curriculum department has had success with the CScope curriculum.
Sunday, April 15, 2012
Career Position Statement
Being that I currently serve as a high school principal, my next goal is to move up to central administration. I have only served as campus principal for two years; therefore, I am not in a rush to move to central administration. I believe the next step for me is to become an assistant superintendent or human resource director. My ultimate goal of course is to be a superintendent and hopefully from there become a college professor. I do have plans to attend school and receive my doctorate. When I was a child, I use to tell everyone that I am “Trapper John M.D” from the television show. People have called me that name since a child and I look to that day where I have a name plate that says Travis Young and underneath it in quotations, but instead Trapper John E.D. I feel that is only fitting!
I do have a major concern that my immediate and extended family are all part of my school community. The reason is because there could be times where someone in the community might express something that is inaccurate or hurtful regarding me. I don’t want my family to retaliate towards that person and of course, that might not be an easy thing to do. However, it is has worked this far for me as a high school administrator and I appreciate my family understanding that we must be professionals and respectful at all times by doing what is right. It has been beneficial to serve as an administrator in the same district that I grew up in. I have had the opportunity to reunite with family and friends as their child come through the high school. I am looking for the day I can say that I am a superintendent and for now, will continue to work to reach that ultimate goal.
I do have a major concern that my immediate and extended family are all part of my school community. The reason is because there could be times where someone in the community might express something that is inaccurate or hurtful regarding me. I don’t want my family to retaliate towards that person and of course, that might not be an easy thing to do. However, it is has worked this far for me as a high school administrator and I appreciate my family understanding that we must be professionals and respectful at all times by doing what is right. It has been beneficial to serve as an administrator in the same district that I grew up in. I have had the opportunity to reunite with family and friends as their child come through the high school. I am looking for the day I can say that I am a superintendent and for now, will continue to work to reach that ultimate goal.
Leadership Goal
I believe in order to be a leader, you must be able to go and show the way for others. I have been in a variety of leadership positions since early childhood. I also believe the key to being a great leader is that you must be willing to be an outstanding follower, as well. I have been in the education field for the last twelve years. I have had the opportunity to serve as a substitute teacher with a college degree, teacher, coach, assistant principal, associate principal, and principal. Some experiences I have gained were from being in a follower role and the others were me as the instructional leader. As a leader, I want to accomplish the goal that all learners can be successful personally, socially, and intellectually. Each day, I work with faculty and staff to try to reach all students so that they can be prepared for the real world. We do not reach our goal on a daily basis, but the goal is to continue until we do ensure that all students are successful. I have a strong belief in school pride when it comes to underlying my educational reasons to lead. I enjoy setting goals with our campus and then going out and attaining them. For example, this year we received three Texas Education Agency’s Gold Performance Acknowledgments. Our campus, faculty, staff, students, parents, and community were all excited of each acknowledgment. It is great to receive honors from the state and promote a culture of having a successful campus, especially after being unacceptable in 2009-2010. On a personal note, I am the first in my family to serve as a campus principal. There are several educators in my family and my grandmother retired as a custodian in the same district that I was raised and now have the privilege to be employed in. I am happy that my family sees me as a role model for our family and the community. I serve as a product of this particular district and I take pride in wanting to help all students from our school community become successful by obtaining a high school diploma and beyond.
The internship projects definitely gave more experienced in some areas that I was not considered competent. The different projects have helped me to collaborate with a variety of personnel in my district. It has helped me build relationships with others in my district, as I had the chance to interview certain staff members and find out more about their actual job activities. I now have new insight and know that I am confident to work well in central administration.
The internship projects definitely gave more experienced in some areas that I was not considered competent. The different projects have helped me to collaborate with a variety of personnel in my district. It has helped me build relationships with others in my district, as I had the chance to interview certain staff members and find out more about their actual job activities. I now have new insight and know that I am confident to work well in central administration.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
EDLD 5399 Competency Assessments: Any Improvements?
I was really impressed with my answers to the Competency Self-Assessment. The method I used to determine which areas I was strong, competent, or needed in improvement in was by totaling the number of S’s, C’, and I’s in each competency. I was considered to be at strength status for Competencies 1,2,4,5,6,7,8, and 10. I am considered competent with Competencies 3 and 10. I believe the reason that I have made some tremendous gains is from the experiences that I have had with our superintendent’s class and the addition of finishing my third year as a principal. Additionally, our current superintendent is in his second year in our district and I have had to work with him continuously as an administrator to help ensure team building and academic success. There are many education programs where the superintendent and high school personnel must visit. I have been blessed that these learning opportunities with my superintendent and ongoing research in my superintendent’s class have given me an abundance of knowledge. According to the assessment, there aren’t any areas for needed growth. I am personally happy with the progress that I have been able to make. Even though the survey showed that I was strong in most competencies, there is always need for improvement. I am always looking to grow in the administration world and look forward to any hands-experiences that will benefit me.
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